Sheriff's race sees big gap in campaign funds

STOCKTON - The sergeant vying to replace the sheriff in office has raised more than twice as many campaign dollars than the incumbent, carrying hefty employee union donations.

Jennie Rodriguez-Moore

STOCKTON - The sergeant vying to replace the sheriff in office has raised more than twice as many campaign dollars than the incumbent, carrying hefty employee union donations.

Over the past three years, Sheriff's Sgt. Pat Withrow has collected $293,813.81 to battle for the seat in comparison to Sheriff Steve Moore's $116,681.17, which includes a $24,100 beginning balance he saved from previous years' fundraising.

One of Withrow's major contributors is the San Joaquin County Deputy Sheriff's Association. In 2012, the association gave Withrow $51,000, and this year, so far, the group has donated an additional $22,000, according to statements filed with the San Joaquin County Registrar of Voters.

Both candidates have an accumulation of smaller donations from individuals and businesses, including farmers and trucking companies.

Moore's larger donations come from the business sector. Cortopassi Partners gave $5,000 in the first quarter of 2014; G & D Trucking gave $5,000 in 2013; The River Mill provided $3,000 in food and venue for a campaign event in early 2011.

But the deputy association's contribution stands out as the largest amount provided in the race.

Withrow, who manages the County Jail's alternative work program, sees it as a vote of confidence from his "own guys."

"I think that's because they know the type of man I am," Withrow said. "It's very rewarding to have your own troops stand behind you like that."

Some might not see it that way.

During a forum hosted by the San Joaquin Taxpayers Association last week, an audience member asked what Withrow would say to those concerned about the possibility he could be in the pocket of unions.

"I don't know how a sheriff could be in the pocket of a union," Withrow responded in a phone interview. The county, not the sheriff, does the bargaining, he said.

"I think it's just kind of telling how the members of those particular unions feel about their boss," Withrow said.

Political observer Professor Bob Benedetti said such contributions generally say the organization believes the candidate will be sympathetic to them.

"A good politician is a person who is able to take a lobbyist's money and vote against them," said Benedetti, professor emeritus at University of the Pacific and adjunct professor at the California State University, Sacramento, Center for California Studies. "Receiving money doesn't guarantee doing what the union wants. But if you're concerned about being re-elected, you will do some of the things."

Moore expressed no concern over the difference in raised capital.

"Votes indicate a win to me," Moore said. "It's going to be the people that vote, and it will be up to the voters to decide what to do, and I'm perfectly happy with whatever the voters decide."

He has been outspent in previous campaigns.

"If a man gives you $1,000, it's one vote. If somebody gives you $1 it's still one vote," Moore said.

Financial backing isn't necessarily an indicator of who voters will gravitate toward, Benedetti said, especially in a local race, where candidates don't buy costly television ads.

But if Withrow wanted a chance at winning, he needed more of it than his incumbent opponent.

"Usually an incumbent has the advantage because of name recognition," Benedetti said.

Moore was not as active in asking for money during 2011 and 2012, having generated just over $10,000, as opposed to Withrow, who gathered about $82,000 during those two years.

The sheriff has ramped up efforts as the June primary nears. He raised more than $91,000 in 2013 and another $15,645 between January 1 and March 17.

Still, Withrow continued outpacing him, collecting robust totals - $160,000 in 2013 and nearly $51,000 in the past three months.

Moore also has spent less than Withrow to woo voters thus far.

Committee campaign statements filed March 24 showed Moore has a cash balance of $106,098.67, whereas Withrow has $44,028.14 left to spend.

Withrow said he put greater effort into fundraising to pay for advertising and other avenues of reaching voters because he recognized the advantage Moore has.

"We're hoping to raise another $50,000 to $100,000 right here toward the end," he said. "The incumbent shouldn't have trouble raising money if people are happy with his performance."

Moore said he is standing on his record but continues fundraising and posting signs. "I would say (voters) know who I am and they have seen what my record is," he said, "so if they're happy with that, I ask them for the privilege of letting me serve them for another four years."

Contact reporter Jennie Rodriguez-Moore at (209) 943-8564 or jrodriguez@recordnet.com. Follow her at recordnet.com/courtsblog and on Twitter @TheRecordCourts.